Vanguard: Light Speed
Chapter 7
The Demon Race Begins!
The title of this particular entry into my tale of the truth refers not to my fight with Raphugio which I will cover to some degree, but the entirety of it won't be until the following chapter. Rather it refers to the truth behind a comment in this chapter, so I apologize to those that have stuck with me this far for once more giving you the wrong idea. Now for those of you who are just tuning in, I was picked to fight against the last match listed in the Expo against Raphugio but by V-Wheel was still being fixed. I'll recapture those last few lines for posterity's sake.
"I can't believe I got selected big bro….. what should I do?" Sade asks of me as once more starts to freak out.
"Just keep the same train of thought you did against Raphugio, ignore the people watching you, and you'll be fine." I tell Sade.
"Okay big bro I'll believe you because I know you will never tell me a lie." Sade said as she's apparently regained her composure.
"Yeah I got paired against a heavy hitter and I'm perfectly fine." Virgil calmly said though I was actually the only one to notice that her legs were shaking rather vigorously.
"I just wish she'd hurry up and announce the last, so I'd know if I get to fight today." I tell my friends.
The last match like the first will begin right after I'm done here. The fighters and two Tarrant City locals: Raphugio Gomez versus Kiba Maka…. Sorry if you heard that…. Kiba Nakashima." Sakura yelled as she much to my personal embarrassment failed to say my last name correctly on national television.
"It looks like we'll get to fight each other again after a while, and on a serious stage to boot. We're very lucky you know." I tell Raphugio.
"I know, and I'm looking forward to the challenge as well." Raphugio retorts.
"The format of the fight: Accelerated standard rule set! That makes the third one for the first round." Sakura yelled.
"Hold on… what?! My V-Wheel still isn't fixed?!" I yell due to being as shocked as Sade when she got picked.
"Calm down Kiba." Virgil said as he tries to stop the panic attack I'm having.
"Never use what I'm about to say to anyone Sade, but….like hell I'm going to calm down. It's not as if I can pull a V-Wheel out of my butt!" I yell as my panic attack continues to worsen.
"You should tell him Raphugio before he has a heart attack." Dalette informed.
"I know….. Look Kiba you….. when did he leave?" Raphugio said when he realized I was no longer with the rest of them.
"About half a second before Dalette said 'You'." Virgil answered.
"Arghhh okay I'm sorry for sounding bossy Dalette, but I have to say this. Here's the plan: I'll go talk to one of the officials and see if I can buy us some time with whatever excuse I can come up with while I find him, Dalette you escort Sade to her fight and cheer her on in big bro's stead, and Virgil you go ahead to your match as well. It may not start for another hour, but it'll take you that long to maneuver through the crowds of people here and the other presentations going on." Raphugio suggests more than orders.
"I'll let it go just this once. Now come on Sade your big sister will do what she can to help you from the sidelines." Dalette said to Sade to ease her nerves though her expression didn't match her words.
Dalette walks away with Sade while I'm running through the Expo trying to figure out some way to get someone to let me borrow a V-Wheel and I finally managed to get the panic attack I've been having under control. In the meantime Virgil's waiting around his fighting stage for his fight to begin. It's taking a bit longer than expected due to a live band that happens to be using the stage performing an encore.
"Thank you and good night Tarrant City. Well I know it's still early in afternoon, and let me just say sorry to the two vanguard fighters that were supposed to use the stage now. I didn't intend to perform an encore. For those of you here who don't me I'm MC Sonar, and the Expo board hired me to comment on this fight." MC Sonar said to the people watching his performance.
The decibel output was nowhere near as high as it usually if for Teresa's performances, but it was still fairly loud. Virgil may have acted completely calm, but in actuality he was very nervous given who he'd have to fight.
"Let's bring both of these competitors on stage shall we? The first guy coming on stage is one of the many Tarrant City locals already in the Expo, Virgil Hernandez!" MC Sonar announced.
Virgil had to force himself to walk on stage because he was so nervous. Entering a simple shop tournament was no big deal for either of us, but the thought of people all over the country watching us fight and probing every decision we make. The idea of it made me more understanding of the pressure Sade felt though she had it worse than us given her inexperience.
"His opponent is the strongest fighter on Team Star Ocean and titan level wielder of the Aqua Force Clan, Cloud Soryu….. stop being a lady's man and come up here!" MC Sonar said when he noticed Cloud was talking to another girl with him next the stage.
"One moment….. and I'm not a Lady's man!" Cloud yelled.
Being called a Lady's man is actually Cloud's sore subject. He doesn't flirt with anything in a skirt in fact he rarely flirts with another girl at all, but he has that reputation because most girls his age seem to fall in love with him by just talking to him. He described it as extraordinarily inconvenient when he comes across a girl he actually does like. As for the girl he's talking to it's my old friend Nolan, and I used the words "Old Friend" rather loosely due our relationship at the time. A relationship that was worsened due my earlier blunder of ditching her at school.
"How did you do in your match?" Cloud asks his captain.
"My opponent was so freaked out about having to fight me that he didn't show up. God what a coward." Nolan said in an annoyed tone of voice.
"Are you sure you're not still mad about what happened at school?" Cloud asks.
Oh I almost forgot…. Cloud looks exactly like his father Leon when he was 15, but the only difference is that Cloud's hair is light blue like his mother's.
"Oh hell yes I'm mad. I hope he lasts long enough in this tournament, so I can pay him back for ditching me today." Nolan said as she gives off an atypical amount of Tsundere type rage.
"So if I end up having to face him, should I lose on purpose to satiate your ego?" Cloud asks only somewhat joking.
"No I'd never ask you to sacrifice your pride for my sake, so don't even joke like that. I've taken too much of your time, so I'll leave you to win while I see how Sally is doing." Nolan said.
"Ah is she still trying to push you and…" Cloud was saying.
"Yes, but that's not going to happen anytime soon." Nolan interrupts.
Granted Virgil was a little miffed that Cloud wasn't immediately stepping up to the stage, but he also understands how annoying it is to have your named called in front of the class while you're in the middle of something so to speak.
"I apologize for making you wait. I wasn't expecting to be called up in the middle of a conversation." Cloud said to Virgil as the fight table part of the MF system emerged from the ground.
"It's alright I was once caught in the middle of putting my deck in new sleeves, so I understand. Hm… what's that?" Virgil asks as he notices Cloud doing something odd while he places down his starting Vanguard.
That strange thing was the act of Cloud putting on a pair of Vanguard fight gloves.
"They're rarely seen now a days since MF systems no longer require them to work, but these are fight gloves or to be more specific these were my father's gloves. The members of some pro teams such as Strike Shadow still wear them either for traditional value or aesthetic appeal, but neither of us came here to talk about fashion." Cloud explained as he made sure his gloves were on properly.
"The Expo board has done some preliminary research into the unknown fighters among the 16 competing here today, and the results of that research have found that this will be a clash between iconic clans. I'll leave that for the rest of you to find out, but until then are you two ready?" MC Sonar asks Cloud and Virgil.
"Yes." Cloud and Virgil simultaneously answer after performing their respective redraws.
"Then begin when you're ready." MC Sonar retorts.
"Stand up, Vanguard!" Virgil yelled.
"Stand up, my Vanguard!" Cloud yelled.
This tight and compact convention center was transformed into the gently moving ocean, there's not even a speck of land in sight, half of the battlefield is trapped in night under the full moon, and the other half is trapped in day under the bright sun.
"Officer Cadet, Erikk [Power: 4000]!" Cloud yelled.
Contrary to the fighter that stood before Virgil, Cloud transformed into a fledgling malleable soldier, wearing his prim white Aqua Force uniform, and is keeping a tight grip on the glowing green cutlass in hand.
"Ice Prison, Dracokid Necro [Power: 5000]!" Virgil yelled.
Soon enough Virgil transforms into that familiar yet still somehow adorable dragon with rotting black skin wearing a ship for a costume that he used in his fight against me.
"Oh… so that's what he meant by 'Iconic Clans' well this should be a little interesting." Cloud mumbles to himself.
"Do you have problem with my choice of clan?" Virgil asked due to finding Cloud's insinuating tone whether it was intentionally given that way or not somewhat insulting.
"No I have no problem with it. It's just that I haven't fought someone who uses Granblue in a while, and since it's the new sub clan I find it an especially interesting treat." Cloud explained.
"Ah then sorry for assuming too much, but I won't let you go first just because you said the name of your starting vanguard before me. Though all pirates have a code, not all are chivalrous. I ride Greedy Ice Prison Demon, Lucifer [Power: 7000]!" Virgil yelled.
"It's a good thing I'm a chivalrous man then. I ride Hermes [Power: 7000] and I'll move Erikk to the back right." Cloud said like he wasn't being completely serious in this fight.
Hermes looked as though he could have been an older version of Erikk what with the similar hair style and hair color, but with the white uniform of a higher ranking officer, he's wielding a glowing green pistol instead of a glowing green sword, and the only difference between these two units asides from height is that Hermes has a "How bothersome" look on his face.
"Hermes attack [Total Power: 7000]!" Cloud declared.
[Drive Check - Blue Storm Soldier, Missile Trooper – Critical Trigger]
"All effects go to Hermes [New Total: 12000 2 Crit]!" Cloud yelled.
[Damage Check – Elder Ice Prison Necromancer – No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Necro-Surgeon of Ice Prison – Heal Trigger]
"Get heal trigger, so I get to recover 1 damage point." Virgil explained as he put his Ice Prison perfect guard in the drop zone.
"Then over to you sir pirate." Cloud jokingly said.
"Though Cloud's opponent may have gotten lucky with a heal trigger and put him a step behind, I'm sure he'll be able to make up for it on his next turn by showing us the strength of the Aqua Force clan." MC Sonar said via microphone to all of the people watching this fight.
"So this is what it feels like to be related even lower than an underdog huh?" Virgil thought.
Virgil – Cloud
5 – Hand – 6
0 – Soul – 0
1 – Damage – 0
0 – Counterblast – 0
Ice Prison Dracokid Necro, Empty – Empty, Officer Cadet Erikk
Empty, Greedy Ice Prison Demon Lucifer – Blue Storm Marine General Hermes, Empty
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
"I wouldn't worry about it too much. The problem with being famous because you're strong is that no one will take unknowns seriously." Cloud said like he knew what Virgil was thinking.
"I'm not going to take that from someone who has had everything handed to him on a silver platter!" Virgil yelled.
"It hasn't been that easy for me either, but if you wish to show me what you can do then go right ahead." Cloud said undisturbed by Virgil's statement.
"Whether a 1, 2, 3, or a zero; all fighters have a card that represents who they are as one. I'm curious, do you believe in the same thing?" Virgil inquired.
"I do, though I haven't found one such card for myself yet." Cloud answered.
"A friend of mine can't use his in public anymore because of something that wasn't his fault. If he's watching this fight I want to show him that he should screw what the public thinks and play the way he wants. I ride Ice Prison Summoner, Vanclein [Power: 9000]!" Virgil yelled.
Though he may have not directly said it in this fight, Virgil basically told Cloud that he considered Vanclein to be his own version of Blaster Blade. Contrary to his rotted away appearance Vanclein is wearing brand new pirate themed clothes over the deteriorated remains of his Aqua Force uniform as if to remind him of the past.
"Ohhh now that makes this fight even more interesting." Cloud said as he found Virgil's choice of card to ride rather interesting.
"What is so interesting?" Virgil curiously asks.
"You'll see, but go ahead and continue with your turn." Cloud answered.
"Blauvelt [Power: 8000] to the rearguard, and he attacks with the support of Dracokid plus a power bonus from his skill [Total Power: 16000]!" Virgil declared.
[Milled Card – Ice Prison's Zombie Marksman – Critical Trigger]
[Milled Card – Lord of the Seven Seas, Nightmist – No Trigger]
[Milled Card – Ice Prison Lady, Down Under Badger – No Trigger]
"Before Blauvelt's attack hits, I activate the effect of Down Under Badger. When she's sent from the deck to the drop zone if I have a vanguard with 'Ice Prison' in the card name…" Virgil starts to explain.
"Great Nature sounding name aside….. by paying a counterblast cost of 1 you can call any Granblue unit from the drop zone." Cloud interrupts.
"Hmph, I see you've done your homework. Well I activate her skill and bring Down Under Badger [Power: 7000] back with it behind my vanguard." Virgil retorts unaffected by Cloud's vast knowledge of the game.
[Damage Check – Blue Storm Guardian Dragon, Icefall Dragon – No Trigger]
"With Badger's support, Vanclein attacks your vanguard [Total Power: 16000]!" Virgil yelled.
"I guard with Missile Trooper [Total Shield: 10000]." Cloud counters.
[Drive Check – Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir – No Trigger]
With his new undead life Vanclein has abandoned most of the martial training he had as a member of the Aqua Force clan, and now relies on his training in Necromancy in order to attack. He does so by collecting the despair of the undead in a tangible energy form and then he fires it, however his inexperience with the art is shown when a dragon with missiles attached to his back takes the blow.
"I end my turn." Virgil said wishing that his attack would have done more.
"As long as it still follows the rules of the game….. to play the way you want regardless of what the public thinks…. that is an ideology I too live by. My father didn't want me to use this deck because of what its central pillar stands for, but the wind has guided me along this path for a reason." Cloud said.
"I don't people thinking I'm a one sided MC, so let me just say that what Virgil just said is a beautiful concept for fighters to live by." MC Sonar announced.
Virgil – Cloud
5 – Hand – 5
1 – Soul – 0
1 – Damage – 1
1 – Counterblast – 0
Ice Prison Dracokid Necro, Ice Prison Corsair Blauvelt – Empty, Officer Cadet Erikk
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Ice Prison Summoner Vanclein – Blue Storm Marine General Hermes, Empty
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
"Before I continue there's one thing I'd like to ask you if you don't mind. Have I done something to make you irritated with me? If so I apologize for it." Cloud inquires of my friend.
"No….. you haven't done anything wrong. To you this tournament may be nothing more than a small body of water you've already explored, however to me this is like sailing to the new world. I was and am still so nervous that I'm unfairly taking my feelings out on you, so for that I am sorry." Virgil explained.
"If fame is an open ocean then you've described….. then don't worry too much about it. You're not the only person to have heaved their guts over the side of a ship on their first time out to sea." Cloud said.
"I'll take that as a compliment then." Virgil said.
"If that's the way the wind blows for you then it's all good, but with my next move it should start to feel like the gust before the storm. I ride Blue Storm Tactician, Vanclein [Power: 9000]!" Cloud declared.
"What?!" Virgil said shocked by the unit Cloud placed on the vanguard circle.
With the card Cloud just played, what we have going on here now is something akin to the first time two rivals face off against one another. This incarnation….. or the original incarnation of Vanclein as the case may be has his pristine Aqua Force uniform of a highly ranked officer restored to glory, his martial talents return in the form of a glowing green sword in his left hand, and an Aqua Force styled pistol in his right hand.
"Oh don't act so surprised. Zenon wasn't the only one who found a way to bring the titans along with the demons of the past into the future, and besides the extra booster 'Blue Storm of Time' where my Vanclein came from was released at the same time as 'Frozen Ship Graveyard' where you Vanclein came from." Cloud pointed out.
"I knew about the set actually, but I guess this is my own fault for not studying the cards in detail. Still that's a mate symbol on his Vanclein, so what does he perform Legion with then." Virgil thought though the answer to that should have been fairly obvious.
"It seems like things have gotten way more interesting in this fight folks. We almost practically have our own special version of the Blaster Blade and Blaster Dark rivalry going on here!" Mc Sonar announced.
"This will be the first cruel words I will say in this fight. While your Vanclein does represent your ideology of freedom as a fighter, however all I see is a soul that has abandoned his ideals." Cloud declared to Virgil.
"Why you…." Virgil was saying as he felt insulted by what Cloud said.
In that moment the kind, helpful, and mentoring tone Cloud had on his face at the start was replaced with one of absolute seriousness and perhaps ruthlessness like that of his father in his youth.
"Not all Vanguard fights are fun and games to people. For some people it's the only way for them to prove their existence, and for others it's there only means of survival in the world. I activate the effect of my starting vanguard." Cloud said.
Erikk turned into a glowing sphere of energy only for him to be absorbed by Cloud's Vanclein, of which in turn causes him to glow for a second as well.
"I search the top 5 cards of my deck, and if I find a Grade 3 Aqua Force unit among them I can add it to my hand." Cloud explained.
"If this is to prevent him from becoming grade stuck…. Then please don't let him get a grade 3." Virgil thought as he practically prayed to god in the back of his mind.
"Through this effect I add Blue Storm Marine General, Demetrius to my hand." Cloud said before shuffling his deck.
"Shit." Virgil thought.
"I call Battle Siren, Dorothea [Power: 6000]. Next up is Gregorious [Power: 9000], and I'll have him attack your vanguard [Total Power: 12000]!" Cloud yelled.
[Damage Check – Ice Prision Corsair, Sores – No Trigger]
"Then Vanclein attack your pitiful future self [Total Power: 15000]!" Cloud declared.
"I won't guard." Virgil said.
[Drive Check – Blue Storm Fleet, Angler Soldier – Stand Trigger]
"Angler Soldier will give Gregorious the strength and power to stand again." Cloud said as he tapped the card with the trigger.
[Damage Check – Ice Prison's Zombie Marksman – Critical Trigger]
"My vanguard's defensive strength gets a power boost." Virgil said.
"Gregorious attacks your vanguard once more [Total Power: 17000]!" Cloud declared.
"I guard with Gan Ning [Total Shield: 5000]." Virgil countered.
"I end my turn." Cloud informed.
"For those of you who've seen Cloud's fights in the past, you know this subtle shift in personality means he's getting serious. Will Virgil be able to hold up under the pressure?" MC Sonar announced.
Virgil – Cloud
4 – Hand – 5
1 – Soul – 2
3 – Damage – 1
1 – Counterblast – 1
Ice Prison Dracokid Necro, Ice Prison Corsair Blauvelt – Blue Storm Marine General Gregorious, Empty
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Ice Prison Summoner Vanclein – Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein, Battle Siren Dorothea
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
"He has one grade 0, one grade 3, and 3 unknown cards in hand… and change of atmosphere aside… this guy… I can tell that he's still holding back his true power. It's almost like he's a demon. Is this what's it's like to fight the best? Or am I thinking this because I'm just that weak compared to him?" Virgil thought.
Like how I did in my unfinished fight with Dalette, Virgil started to learn at this moment what it means to fight against those with true undeniable power. When I watched a recording of this fight I thought no one could put up an even more intense aura than Cloud, but like many things I'd be proven oh so wrong.
"Political ideology aside….. both the Aqua Force and Granblue clans rely on the wind for strength and guidance, but if the wind won't blow for you if you do nothing." Cloud said as he reveals a small amount of his own impatience in reaction to my friend's inaction.
"I wasn't going to do 'Nothing'. I was just thinking about my next move." Virgil said to defend his own sensibility as fighter, but he knew that was just a big fat lie.
"In that case show me what you were thinking." Cloud retorts.
"Ancient tear dragon, rise again from hell with your greed as cold as ice and skin as black as death! I ride Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir [Power: 11000]!" Virgil yelled.
I never really described Fafnir when I fought against him myself, so allow me the opportunity to do so now. He looked like an adult version of Dracokid Necro only all of the areas where Fafnir's skin have rotted away have been covered up with the magically enchanted wooden hull of other Granblue ships, said wooden portions come with their own broadside cannons, to help stabilize his spine a large sail has been stuffed down his back, and he has an eye patch over his left eye in order to maintain that pirate theme of the Granblue clan.
"Fafnir attacks Blue Storm Tactician [Total Power: 18000]!" Virgil declared.
"No guard." Cloud responds after taking a moment to check his hand.
[Drive Check – Elder Ice Prison Necromancer – No Trigger]
[Drive Check – Slave Master of Ice Prison, Elfrith – Critical Trigger]
"The power goes to Blauvelt and my vanguard gets a critical [New Total: 23000 2 Crit]!" Vigil informed.
While he may not have an even number of cannons built into him, Virgil's Fafnir takes advantage of the ones he does have by firing a relentless barrage of magically enchanted cannonballs at Cloud's vanguard. A barrage which was made even more relentless thanks to the power of that critical trigger.
[Damage Check – Blue Storm Soldier, Tempest Assault – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Supersonic Sailor – Critical Trigger]
"Just like with your critical trigger, I'll apply all the effects of mine to my vanguard." Cloud declared.
"Blauvelt, use your skill and put another dent in Cloud's vanguard [Total Power: 21000]!" Virgil yelled.
[Milled Card – Ice Prison Buccaneer, Pardal – No Trigger]
[Milled Card – Ice Prison Corsair, Sores – No Trigger]
[Milled Card – Necro-Surgeon of Ice Prison – Heal Trigger]
[Damage Check – Blue Storm Marine General, Demetrius – No Trigger]
"I end my turn." Virgil said.
"With a lucky critical trigger, Virgil has managed to put Cloud in a situation where he has no choice but to play a little defense. Will he be able to counter? Or will see one of the tournament's biggest contenders knocked out in the first round?" MC Sonar announced.
"I want to see if you can turn this around as well." Virgil boasts as it appears my friend has finally started to gain some confidence in this fight.
"I have no intention of playing defense because that's not what Aqua Force does." Cloud declared.
Virgil – Cloud
6 – Hand – 5
2 – Soul – 2
3 – Damage – 4
1 – Counterblast – 1
Ice Prison Dracokid Necro, Ice Prison Corsair Blauvelt – Blue Storm Marine General Gregorious, Empty
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Ice Prison Necro-Dragon Fafnir – Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein, Battle Siren Dorothea
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
"I have a small advantage right now with both hand and damage, but shit… why does it feel like I'm the one behind right now?" Virgil asks himself as the pressure of this fight is really starting to get to him.
"An ideology to fight for is one thing, but it matters little if one doesn't possess the strength to fight for that ideal." Cloud said.
"I thought this was a cardfight and not a philosophical debate." Virgil pointed out.
"There have been many fights and not just vanguard fights where a battle between two people involved their ideology, but you're right about how I shouldn't go off on talking about it." Cloud retorts like he knew what Virgil was thinking.
"I wasn't going to say anything, but good to know." Virgil said.
"This fight is about to become a battle between the ideologies of the past and the ideologies of the future." Cloud said as he drew for the turn.
"What are you talking about?" Virgil asks as he was clearly confused by what Cloud meant.
"Ancient tear dragon, guided by the wind and drawn from the past protect those who brave the sea as its life-line! I ride Blue Storm Merchant Drive Dragon, Fafnir [Power: 11000]!" Cloud yelled.
"What the hell?" Virgil mumbled to himself due to being shocked beyond belief by what he saw.
"Call Penguin Soldier [Power: 5000], and his skill to draw 1 card." Cloud informed.
"He's still once card short so I'll be fine." Virgil thought.
"I retire Penguin Soldier to call Tempest Blader [Power: 6000], and through her skill I give my vanguard +3000 power." Cloud explained.
"Why did I even bother hoping?" Virgil thought.
"Seek mate! Now Vanclein of the past, share your desire to protect those who brave the sea you who live by the wind. Legion [Legion Power: 20000]!" Cloud declared.
Virgil may have started to feel what I did fighting Dalette as he fights Cloud, but it was at this moment that feeling permeated down to the depths of his soul.
"I call Demetrius [Power: 11000], and I'll have him attack your vanguard [Total Power: 11000]!" Cloud declared.
"No guard." Virgil said.
[Damage Check – Lord of the Seven Seas, Nightmist – No Trigger]
"Next up Gregorious attacks Blauvelt [Total Power: 18000]!" Cloud declared.
That giant cannon Gregorious has hoisted over his shoulder isn't just for show. After he takes a few seconds to charge said cannon, Gregorious is able to blow away Blauvelt in a single shot.
"The Fafnir of the past will attack the Fafnir of the future with the support of Dorothea, but this won't be any ordinary legion attack." Cloud informed.
"What do you mean?" Virgil inquired.
"Fafnir's legion skill activates: When Fafnir attacks if it's the third battle or more of the turn I can stand Gregorious, give him a +3000 power bonus, and since he has a unit behind him I can stand that unit as well." Cloud explained.
"That may be your legion skill, but what of that of your mate's abilities?" Virgil asked as he was worried some other problem comes up.
"I see you're perceptive if not studious. When Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein attacks while he's in legion, he gains +2000 power for all attacks declared during my turn. Now that the explanations are over with I'll say it again. With the support of Dorothea, Fafnir attacks [Total Power: 42000]!" Cloud declared.
"I nullify that with Elder Ice Prison Necromancer [Perfect Defense]." Virgil countered.
[Drive Check – Blue Storm Soldier, Kitchen Sailor – Heal Trigger]
"The power goes to Gregorious and I recover 1 damage point." Cloud informed.
[Drive Check – Blue Storm Guardian Dragon, Icefall Dragon – No Trigger]
Unlike the corrupted Fafnir who relies on a magical broadside barrage to attack, Cloud's original Fafnir prefers to blow his enemies away with an almost never ending barrage of mini-missiles but thankfully the Elder Ice Prison Necromancer is able to block all of them with his skeleton infused wall of ice.
"Gregorious attack [Total Power: 26000]!" Cloud declared.
[Damage Check – Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir – No Trigger]
"I end my turn." Cloud said.
"With just one card he managed to… no he was able to easily obliterate the small advantage I did have in this fight and put me defense. I thought I already understood the feeling my friend, but this guy just proved me wrong again." Virgil thought as the friend he was referring to was actually me.
Virgil – Cloud
4 – Hand – 5
2 – Soul – 1
5 – Damage – 3
1 – Counterblast – 2
Ice Prison Dracokid Necro, Empty – Blue Storm Marine General Gregorious, Blue Storm Soldier Tempest Blader
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Ice Prison Necro-Dragon Fafnir – Blue Storm Merchant Drive Dragon Fafnir/Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein, Battle Siren Dorothea
Empty, Empty – Blue Storm Marine General Demetrius, Empty
"That's a pretty bold move for Cloud to not use Demetrius's break ride skill, but the question is will that decision end up biting him in the back?" MC Sonar announced.
"Bold my shiny metal… I may not be a pro fighter, however even I can tell that statement's not even close. This isn't about some arrogant display of superiority, but rather because he considers Demetrius unnecessary to play in order win." Virgil thought.
"Are thinking about your next move again? Or has the pressure of this fight finally become too much for you to handle?" Cloud asked.
"Only one for you to find out… seek mate! Return from death and show the world ideals long forgotten Vanclein. Legion [Legion: 20000]!" Virgil yelled.
"Even if I dislike that card's existence, I'm not foolish enough to deny the power that it does have." Cloud thought.
"I activate the skill of my starting vanguard. By moving Dracokid to the soul I superior call a copy of Down Under Badger [Power: 7000] from my drop zone. Legion Skill times 3: I superior call from my drop zone Elder Ice Prison Necromancer [Power: 6000], Pardal [Power: 10000], and Blauvelt [Power: 8000]. Refusing to rot away in the cold ocean's depths even if it's only once they return from death to make a final mark upon the world! This is my Fafnir's Undead's Freezing Revival." Virgil explained.
"For those of you who are unfamiliar with the full effect of Virgil's Fafnir… in addition to calling 3 units from the drop zone…. the units called through this effect gain +5000 power for the turn. It's like a death march where the hero won't stop moving until the villain goes down or he does." MC Sonar announced.
"Blauvelt with the support of Badger and a power bonus from his skill will attack your Fafnir [Total Power: 21000]!" Virgil declared.
[Milled Card – Fencing Ice Prison, Picard – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Blue Storm General, Hermes – No Trigger]
"Fafnir attack [Total Power: 30000]!" Virgil declared.
"Icefall Dragon guards, and quintet wall!" Cloud retorts.
[Top Card – Blue Storm Marine General, Demetrius – 0 Shield]
[Top Card – Blue Storm Merchant Drive Dragon, Fanir – 0 Shield]
[Top Card – Blue Storm Soldier, Kitchen Sailor – 10000 Shield]
[Top Card – Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein – 5000 Shield]
[Top Card – Blue Storm Fleet, Angler Soldier – 10000 Shield]
[Total Shield: 25000]
"It's not over yet for me. If I can pull two triggers in this next drive check I can still win this." Virgil thought.
[Drive Check – Slave Master of Ice Prison, Elfrith – Critical Trigger]
"All effects of the critical are going to my vanguard. [New Total: 35000 2 crit]!" Virgil informed.
Here Virgil's heart wavered for a moment especially since he was facing a vastly superior opponent, but he quickly dismisses it as he wishes to live the freedom of a pirate's life. Would he become an unknown champion? Or will he me cut down here? Well if Virgil did actually win I highly doubt he would have fared any better against who might have been his next opponent.
[Drive Check – Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir – No Trigger]
"Pardal attack his Gregorious [Total Power: 26000]!" Virgil declared.
"Kitchen Sailor and Angler Soldier guards [Total Shield: 20000]." Cloud countered.
"I end my turn, and all units called through the effect of my vanguard are retired." Virgil reluctantly said.
Certainly his attack was spirited, but it seems as though Virgil just couldn't bring out the power to match. He knew if he chose to attack Cloud's vanguard that his fate would have been sealed." MC Sonar announced.
"You're wrong…. I don't believe in destiny like a certain someone, but this fight's fate is already sealed." Cloud interjects.
Virgil – Cloud
7 – Hand – 2
1 – Soul – 1
5 – Damage – 4
4 – Counterblast – 3
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Empty – Blue Storm Marine General Gregorious, Blue Storm Soldier Tempest Blader
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Ice Prison Necro-Dragon Fafnir/Ice Prison Summoner Vanclein – Blue Storm Merchant Drive Dragon Fafnir/Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein, Battle Siren Dorothea
Empty, Empty – Blue Storm Marine General Demetrius, Empty
"What do you mean already sealed? From the way I look at it I have the advantage." Virgil asked.
"We both know that's a lie you're trying miserable to convince yourself of, but before I begin my turn let me give you some advice about what it means to sale on the largest of oceans. No….. with the introduction of the V-Wheel it be better to say race on the most famous of courses. In fact let me give this to you, your friend, and the rest of your team if you're part of one. There are many demons on the race track that is fighting at the professional levels in Vanguard. They hide in the garages, the stands, the parking lot, and then of course there are the demons already on the racetrack. Can you and your friends fight against the hidden titans that too seek to come in first?" Cloud inquired.
"I could say something like 'I speak for my team by saying this', but as you say that would be a lie. You're the first true professional fighter I've ever fought, so I know any hopeful pro will have to have the will to fight through that kind of intensity and the strength to fight against that kind of skill. If I'm not good enough as I am now then I'll simply become strong. I don't know if my friends think the same thing, but I believe that's what they believe too." Virgil answered with a stoic resolve.
"Then let me say to you and your friends that this is where the demon race beings for you all." Cloud announced.
"Amazing… just what manly strength to words these fighters have just said. I hope all of you Vanguard fighters who dream of reaching the top take what they said to heart." MC Sonar announced.
"Final turn!" Cloud declared.
"There it is… those words that few fighters ever dare to utter. Let's see how this master of the Aqua Force clan will back them up." MC Sonar announced.
"I call Supersonic Soldier [Power: 4000], and though his skill move him to my soul in order to unflip a card in my damage zone." Cloud explained.
"That means he'll be able to use his Vanguard's legion skill again. I hope I can handle it." Virgil thought.
"I call a second Tempest Blader [Power: 6000], and once more the effects of her skill will be applied to my vanguard. Boosted by the Tempest Blader I just called, Demetrius attacks your vanguard [Total Power: 17000]!" Cloud declared.
"I guard with Elfrith [Total Shield: 10000]." Virgil countered.
"Then Gregorious attack [Total Power: 18000]!" Cloud declared again.
"I guard with my other Elfrith [Total Shield: 10000]." Virgil counters again.
"Then Fafnir… legion attack [Total Power: 42000]! And now your legion skill: Gregorious and Tempest Blader stands." Cloud yelled.
"I nullify with another Elder Ice Prison Necromancer [Perfect Defense]!" Virgil retorts.
"Twin drive check…" Cloud was saying.
"This check will decide victory or defeat for the both us." Virgil thought.
[Drive Check – Blue Storm Battle Princess, Doria – Draw Trigger]
"Gregorious along with my hand gets strengthened." Cloud decided.
[Drive Check – Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein – No Trigger]
"Gregorious….. final attack [Total Power: 26000]!"
"Hmm…. sorry…. it looks like only one of us will be going to the next round after all." Virgil thought as he can't block due to having only a grade 0, 1, and 3 unit in hand.
[Damage Check – Ice Prison Summoner, Vanclein – No Trigger]
Final Results
Virgil – Cloud
3 – Hand – 3
1 – Soul – 1
6 – Damage – 4
4 – Counterblast – 4
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Empty – Blue Storm Marine General Gregorious, Blue Storm Soldier Tempest Blader
Ice Prison Lady Down Under Badger, Ice Prison Necro-Dragon Fafnir/Ice Prison Summoner Vanclein – Blue Storm Merchant Drive Dragon Fafnir/Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein, Battle Siren Dorothea
Empty, Empty – Blue Storm Marine General Demetrius, Blue Storm Soldier Tempest Blader
"And it is over people with the navy chalking up another win against the pirates." MC Sonar announced.
"That was an amazing fight." One observer said to his friend.
"I know….. if all of the other fights are like this… then in may turn out to be the greatest Expo in history." The friend of that observer retorts.
There's actually a very good reason why I heard what these two nameless people said, but you'll find that out in just a moment.
"Not bad my man!" I yell to my friend.
Virgil shocked to hear my voice turns around and finds me standing near the stairs he used to get onto this stage.
"Wait what are you doing here?" Virgil asks as he runs up to me after collecting his deck.
"Isn't it obvious? My fight with Raphugio is over, and I asked him to go ahead and see how Sade was doing when I saw you." I explain.
"How much did you see then?" Virgil curiously inquired.
"Only Cloud's last turn." I answer again.
"Oh alright….. wait what happened in your fight with Raphugio? Who won it?" Virgil asks again.
"Calm down and I'll explain as we go." I tell Virgil to calm him down.
But as for what I tell him….. well that's…
To Be Continued
Kiba: Seriously…. the author is pushing back the fight again. This is starting to get annoying.
Raphugio: Kiba to be fair the first time was because of plot, the second time was due to unexpected length, and the author never said the "Straight up brawl" would be between us.
Kiba: I know, but it doesn't mean it's not annoying.
Raphugio: I have some good news though…. the author said that barring the unexpected the next chapter will definitely show our battle.
Kiba: Alright well ahem….. Next time on Vanguard: Light Speed "Demon's Seriously Start Racing"
Isaac: That title is perfect.
Kiba: Shut up you don't get to play an important role until chapter 11 anyway!
Cardfight Vanguard
Ice Prison "Sub Clan"
Card List
Grade 0/Boost
Ice Prison's Zombie Marksman (Critical Trigger)
Power: 5000 Shield: 10000
Grade 1/Boost
Ice Prison Lady, Down Under Badger (Normal Unit)
Power: 7000 Shield: 5000
Auto:[Counterblast 1] When this card is sent from the deck to the drop zone through the effect of one of your "Granblue" units, if you have a vanguard with "Ice Prison" in the card name you may pay the cost. If you do, select a "Granblue" unit in your drop zone and call it to any open (RC).
Blue Storm "Sub Clan"
Card List
Grade 2/Intercept
Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein (Normal Unit)
Power: 9000 Shield: 5000
Auto(VC): When this unit attacks a vanguard while in legion, this unit gets +2000 power for all attacks declared during your turn until the end of that battle.
Grade 3/Twin Drive
Blue Storm Merchant Drive Dragon, Fafnir (Normal Unit)
Power: 11000
Effect: [ACT](VC): Legion 20000 "Blue Storm Tactician Vanclein"(If your opponent has a grade 3 or greater vanguard, only once, this unit may return four cards from your drop zone to your deck, and search your deck for the specified card, and perform Legion.)
[AUTO](VC):[Counterblast 2 cards with "Blue Storm" in its card name] When this unit attacks a vanguard, if it's the third battle of the turn or greater you may pay the cost. If you do, select a (RC) unit on your front row with "Blue Storm" in the card name, stand it, and that unit gets +3000 power until the end of the turn. If there's a (RC) unit with "Blue Storm" in its card name in the same column as the target unit, stand that unit also.
[AUTO](VC): When this unit attacks a vanguard, if it's the third battle of the turn or greater this unit gets +3000 power until the end of that battle]